Buying your dream home in northern Spain – Mary Ryan with James Blick

 

It’s been a minute since I presented this webinar with James (April 2025) but the information in it all still stands. It’s a deep dive into all things property and moving to this area of northern Spain – Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia. If you are thinking of making the move here or have any interest in the property market in this region then this is a must-watch. I also explain in full my work as a buyer’s agent and exactly how I can help you achieve a stress-free purchase of your dream home in northern Spain.

 

New Video – Stunning, stone-built house close to the beach…

We’ve managed to get some great footage of one of our properties – this stunning six bedroom home in the concejo of Villavisiosa, Asturias. It’s a fantastic house with a ton of space inside and out and enjoys a superb climate close to the sea – and close the beaches of Playa de España and Merón.

This house is on the market at €560,000 and is available for viewing…

Get the full details of this beautiful property here

Escape to the Continent

Ooh, do we have a treat for you! I just stumbled across this video on YouTube and if you have any interest in rural Asturias and country properties here it’s a must-watch.

It’s been over 10 years since the BBC filmed Escape to the Continent here in Asturias, visiting (amongst others) two properties that we were marketing for sale at that time. It was a fun week, helping to shepherd the crew around from one remote Asturian country property to another! I got to meet the charming presenter Nicki Chapman but funnily enough, thanks to weird BBC rules on non promotion of businesses, they wouldn’t let me meet the actual house hunters!! However they did get in touch with me after filming finished as in the end the property they chose was one of ours. They never did actually buy it but I think that is often the case with these kinds of shows.

Watching this takes me right back, especially with the poor, blurry quality of the reproduction on Youtube it feels like it’s several decades ago! The price points they are citing are certainly nostalgic. I think their overview of pricing back then was a little off the mark in any case, and of course they were translating prices into Sterling from euros, but really it does bring home just how much prices have risen over the last decade, with the last couple of years seeing an ever more heated increase as Asturias and northern Spain have become more and more popular with both national and international buyers.

Anyway, I just thought I’d leave the video here for you so you can take an explore across a few different styles of rural Asturian properties and a few different areas. But yes, ignore the prices!!

 

 

 

 

Infiesto – Bustling Market Town + Piloña’s Capital

Infiesto is a charming town located in the province of Asturias, in northwestern Spain. Serving as the capital of the municipality of Piloña, Infiesto is nestled in a semi-mountainous region characterized by deep, narrow valleys and lush forests. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 150.5 meters above sea level, with the surrounding landscape rising to peaks such as the 1,419-meter-high Vizcares. The area is rich in natural beauty, featuring extensive beech, oak, chestnut, and hazel forests, as well as valleys dedicated to the cultivation of walnut and apple trees, forming the typical “pumaradas” (apple orchards) of the region. In fact Infiesto is part of the ‘cider triangle’ formed by the three towns of Villaviciosa, Nava and Infiesto and a glass of this refreshing apple drink (always poured from a height) should be on any visitor’s agenda.

The Piloña River traverses the municipality from east to west, adding to the scenic beauty of the area. Infiesto’s population is approximately 1,789 people, contributing to its close-knit community atmosphere.The town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. One of the most notable landmarks is the Santuario de la Virgen de la Cueva, a sanctuary nestled under a natural rock formation near the river (and opposite the municipal swimming pool – so refreshing in summer). This site has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and is deeply ingrained in the local traditions. Infiesto is also known for its traditional Asturian architecture, including the “hórreos” (raised granaries) found in nearby villages like Espinaredo. These structures are emblematic of the region and offer a glimpse into the area’s agricultural past.

The town’s cultural calendar is vibrant, with events such as the Festival de la Avellana (Hazelnut Festival) held in October, celebrating the local hazelnut harvest with various activities, including traditional music, dance, and gastronomy. In April, the Misa Rociera is celebrated, featuring a mass accompanied by traditional Andalusian music, reflecting the cultural diversity embraced by the community. Infiesto’s gastronomy is a delightful blend of traditional and modern Asturian cuisine. The town offers a variety of dining options where visitors can savor local specialties. For breakfast, establishments like Panadería L’Ablana are popular for their freshly baked bread. For lunch or dinner, Casa Maruja is renowned for its traditional dishes, while El Barín del Tozu offers a fusion of Chilean and Asturian flavors. For dessert, Confitería Calvo is famous for its “palmeras de yema,” a local pastry delicacy.

Infiesto’s historical significance is further highlighted by its proximity to various archaeological sites, including traces of Paleolithic history and Celtic settlements. The medieval heritage of the area is also evident in the architecture and cultural practices preserved by the local community. The town’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with a focus on livestock rearing and the cultivation of crops such as apples and hazelnuts. In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important, with visitors drawn to the area’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomic offerings.

Infiesto’s community is known for its hospitality and the preservation of traditional Asturian customs. The town’s festivals, such as the Festival de la Avellana and the Misa Rociera, provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the region. These events are characterized by traditional music, dance, and culinary delights, offering a window into the vibrant traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The town’s infrastructure includes essential services such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational amenities, ensuring a high quality of life for its residents. The local government is committed to sustainable development, balancing the preservation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage with the needs of a modern community.

Infiesto’s transportation links provide easy access to other parts of Asturias and beyond and the town is well-connected by road and public transport, making it a convenient destination for visitors exploring the broader region.The AS634 passes close by making it just a 30 minutes drive to Oviedo the capital of Asturias and around an hour to Asturias airport. It’s also about thirty minutes to the coast for example to the amzing surfer’s beach of Rodiles a 1km sweep of sand. Heading east, the large town of Arriondas is around 20 minutes and it’s a further 10 minutes to the ‘Gateway to the Picos’ Cangas de Onis. 

In summary, Infiesto is a town that encapsulates the essence of Asturias, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Whether you are interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities, or indulging in the local cuisine, Infiesto provides a memorable experience for all who visit.

We work a lot around Infiesto and have the following property for sale around there:

https://spanishpropertynorth.com/listings/semi-detached-stone-built-house-with-barn-8000m2-land-pilona-asturias-e53000-ref1396/

https://spanishpropertynorth.com/listings/stunning-collection-of-traditional-detached-stone-built-properties-land-pilona-asturias-e660000-refib0936/

https://spanishpropertynorth.com/listings/cute-detached-property-with-6000m2-of-land-infiesto-asturias-e235000-ref1220/

Please get in touch to arrange visits to any of these properties…

A stay of execution for the Golden Visa

Great news for anyone looking to get in under the wire for a Golden Visa! The Spanish Senate has vetoed the law putting an end to it and the law has been sent back to Congress. This stay of execution means that there will be a delay before the end comes into force, most likely of a few months.

No-one knows for sure when it will now end; some say three months, some say up to 5 months. The truth is it’s all speculation and if you are after a Golden Visa you should still get your skates on but it’s certainly now more feasible to get in under the wire.

Contact us to book a zoom call to discuss your needs

Could a beautiful property like this be your gateway to a new life in Spain?

The Golden Visa – Last Chance Saloon

 

On the 30th October, without any fanfare as the country was naturally fixated on the unfolding disaster in Valencia, the Spanish government passed an amendment to their Golden Visa law, detailing how the end would come. As a result the programme is now scheduled to stop as of January 2025. 

This means that if you want to get a Golden Visa and all of the benefits that that entails then there really is no time to spare.

What you need to know:

Any applications made before January 2025 will be respected. In order to make the application you would have to have agreed the purchase of a 500,000€/+ property and at the very least have signed a deposit contract before a Public Notary in Spain and paid a legally binding deposit. You would have to have the rest of the full 500,000€ (or whatever the full price of the property is) already in a Spanish bank account in your name and also have to have other requirements such as health insurance in place.

If you want us to help make it happen for you then drop us a mail to info@spanishpropertynorth.com and we can schedule an initial zoom consultation to discuss how we can guide you through the process, from finding you a suitable property through filing your paperwork.

So if you are a third country national, perhaps an American or Brit who has been thinking of moving to Spain on this basis then you must take action now as the door is closing. Remember, the Golden Visa gives you and your dependents the freedom to live, work and study in Spain and equally does not restrict you to spending minimum amounts of time in the country to maintain your residency rights.

Read more here about the basics of the Golden Visa